NFL Week 6 Power Rankings

0 / 32

The last time Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints started 5-0 was during the 2009 NFL season. Also four years ago, they won their first 13 games, and went on to win Super Bowl XLIV over Peyton Manning's Colts.

In 2013, at 5-0, the Saints should feel confident about their chances about getting a shot at that elusive second ring. Going into Week 6 of the season, they have emerged as the NFC favorites, which would put them in line to face off with Manning's Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Why they're here: They just threw down the Solider Field monkey with an impressive 26-18 win at Chicago, and it's hard to tell what's more impressive -- their No. 4 total offense or No. 4 scoring defense. The Saints are worthy of marching to the top as a legitimate threat to win it all again.

How they move down: They need to keep pushing the gas pedal on the road again in New England to pad their resume, or they will slide back a bit.

Why they're here: The Broncos remain in the same position they have been all season, despite their narrow 51-48 shootout escape from Dallas. Tony Romo tried his best, but still couldn't quite outscore a Peyton Manning-lead attack.
How they move up: Their defense has some issues they need to clean up, and the imminent return of linebacker Von Miller will help. They're just not quite as complete as the Saints yet.
How they move down: Continue the turnover trouble. That can bring down even the biggest offensive juggernaut.
What's next: vs. Jaguars, as the second-best NFL team plays the second worst.

Why they're here: The Seahawks got clipped for the first time in a wild one in Indianapolis, but Russell Wilson proved he could go toe-to-toe with Andrew Luck and it was inevitable the road would catch up with Seattle.
How they move up: They need to go back to putting up their dominant victories, both at home and against NFC foes.
How they move down: Have trouble either starting fast or closing strong. That's plagued them the past two weeks with mixed results.

What's next: vs. Titans, where they'll be happy to see the 12th Man again.

Why they're here: The Chiefs are methodical and predictable, with big plays on defense and on special teams, while using steady ball control on offense. That should keep working most weeks against a weak schedule.

How they move up: It would be nice if they could show a little more firepower beyond Jamaal Charles. They'll need it to win games later in the season (see Broncos).

How they move down: Let their one defensive issue, stopping the run, fester a bit.

Why they're here: The Packers didn't come out with a pretty offense vs. Detroit, but still turned in the needy gritty performance to put them back in semi-control of the NFC North.
How they move up: They can go right back to padding their resume on the road, with a date in Baltimore against the Super Bowl champs.
How they move down: Let the loss of Clay Matthews bring down the rest of their defense, which just had its best performance against the Lions.

Why they're here: The Ravens have had trouble in close, ugly games, but were able to outlast the Dolphins in Miami, 26-23. The champs are in no position to go for style points, just enough points.
How they move up: Keep letting Ray Rice loose and give him the ball enough. The Ravens got a little too pass happy, and getting their most consistent force going is vital.

How they move down: If they don't clean up their defense on the back end. Green Bay comes in ready to test their secondary.

What's next: vs. Packers, in a critical North vs. North interconference matchup for two reigning division champions.

Why they're here: The Bears' defense got picked apart by Drew Brees and wore down against the run in bad spots at home. The team has cooled off fast with a two-game losing streak.

How they move up: Forget about what's gone wrong and focus on what's still going right. The offense keeps finding a groove with Jay Cutler getting more than just Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall involved.

How they move down: If they can't win the turnover battle. They need to get the takeaway mojo going again in prime time on a short week.

Why they're here: The Jets have taken flight with rookie quarterback Geno Smith, and Rex Ryan is back up to his old defensive tricks with a strong front seven and one shutdown cornerback (Antonio Cromartie).

How they move up: Keep playing turnover-free football. Smith has been outstanding when not forcing the ball and holding it too long.

How they move down: If they can't shore up their pass defense beyond Cromartie and the pressure applied by Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson.

Last week:18 Why they're here: Take your pick, but the No. 1 reason is injuries. Even a bye might not help them heal up enough, as Steven Jackson, Julio Jones and Roddy White are a hurting trio that's hard to overcome. The defensive walking wounded has shown their big issue with depth.

How they move up: Figure out Plan B during that bye, and come out with a different attitude: Playing with nothing to lose, be aggressive with the passing game and ride Matt Ryan..

How they move down: If they can't get Tony Gonzalez any more help. What was a loaded Atlanta offense has become very limited.

Why they're here: They have gotten arguably the worst quarterback play in the league from Carson Palmer, but thanks to return of Darryl Washington, their defense is bearing the burden of winning, like it did in ripping Carolina.

How they move up: Find something offensively that works, because neither offseason addition, Palmer or running back Rashard Mendenhall, should be inspiring to Bruce Arians.

How they move down: If they keep faith in Palmer and the downfield passing game Arians wants to use. It just doesn't suit them.

Why they're here: Terrelle Pryor was the right choice at quarterback, as he's been growing more confident and efficient as a passer with the running threat always in his back pocket. The Chargers just learned that on Sunday night.

How they move up: Find someone to help their hurting traditional running game. Maybe recently rewarded Marcel Reece can be that guy.

How they move down: Make Pryor try to do too much. He's got better-than-you-think receivers such as Rod Streater and Denarius Moore who can make big plays after the catch.
What's next: at Chiefs, where Pryor can dink and dunk opposite Alex Smith.

Why they're here: The Redskins got the opportunity to restart their season with an early bye, and they should hope that makes for a better Robert Griffin III. Fixing the defense, however, may not be possible.

How they move up: They get the running game going again, both from whoever's carrying the load in Week 6 and RG3.

How they move down: Keep giving up more backbreaking pass plays, and thinking that blitzing is the way to get out of that funk.

Last week:21Why they're here: The Panthers turned in a dud after the bye as Cam Newton wilted and their entire offense dried up in Arizona, despite a strong defensive effort.
How they move up: Newton and the offense need to come through. It's that simple.

How they move down: If their running game stagnates. They are dependent on that more than they think to take pressure off Newton.

What's next: at Vikings, in another road dome against another struggling NFC team.

Why they're here: The Vikings are trying to figure out what they're doing at quarterback, so it's good they had a bye post their first win. Matt Cassel played a better caretaker than banged-up Christian Ponder to start, but now Josh Freeman is in the mix.
How they move up: It's pretty simple for them. Ride Adrian Peterson as much as possible until they feel good about whoever's passing.

How they move down: Continue to give up big plays all over the field defensively. Then it won't matter much what Peterson does.

Last week:31 Why they're here: The Buccaneers have moved on from Josh Freeman, handing the keys to rookie Mike Glennon for good. They'll see if that gets them a win after the bye.

How they move up: Get running back Doug Martin going, and that is in front of them with a great matchup vs. Philadelphia defense.
How they move down: Hold black Glennon. He needs to get the ball to both Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams to stretch the field, or Martin won't see any running room.

What's next: vs. Eagles, where Greg Schiano will need to prove he hasn't lost the entire team.

Why they're here: This is getting out of hand, and given the talent level, they deserve to be dragged behind the Jaguars. The Giants even managed to be sloppier team than the Eagles, even when it looked like their offense was getting back on track. The defense remains a major liability, too.

How they move up: Eli Manning helping them overcome by playing like Eli Manning would be helpful.

What's next: at Bears, a team that can smell their turnover troubles from 785 miles away.